Weekly Takes - Monday, February 2nd Edition

Weekly Takes - Monday, February 2nd Edition 

1. There are no three stars from the Maple Leafs loss to the Sabres on Tuesday. That would imply they had three players that played well.

Reality is, this is as bleak as things have been since the Peter Horachek days.

But like those days, it can be a positive, as it makes the direction clear: Fire Brad Treliving and Craig Berube, sell rentals and those who are free agents at the end of 2027, and retool.

The Bruins did it a year ago. It can be done.

2. This should be the framework that the Leafs are operating with for 2026-2027…

Forwards…

Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Vacant

Matias Maccelli - Vacant - William Nylander 

Easton Cowan - John Tavares - Nick Robertson 

Steven Lortentz - Jacob Qullian - Vacant 

Defence…

Vacant - Vacant

Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev

Vacant - Ben Danford 

Goaltending…

Joseph Woll

Dennis Hildeby 

A lot of holes, but trade Bobby McMann, Nicolas Roy, Scott Laughton, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Brandon Carlo, Troy Stecher, and Anthony Stolarz, all of whom have surplus value. The Leafs have little to no assets. Go restock the system in a big way, while opening up cap space.

I would also look at buying out Max Domi and Morgan Rielly, both of whom are negative assets. 

3. My three stars from the Leafs loss to the Kraken on Thursday…

1. Ekman-Larsson

2. Matthews

3. McMann

An awful second period, combined with awful goaltending from Stolarz.  Sell sell sell.

4. My three stars from the Leafs shootout win over the Canucks on Saturday…

1. Nylander

2. Tavares

3. Matthews

Tavares’ best game in a while. But man, is it something watching the Leafs knowing they have no chance at a playoff run.

It is weird that there is a section of Leafs fans that do not know what this is like.

5. I have greatly enjoyed watching the Raptors this season, particularly as it relates to Scottie Barnes’ accession into stardom. And I appreciate wanting to take advantage of the Eastern Conference being wide open.

But trading for a declining Domantas Saboins would not be the play. I rather let this team play as is in the playoffs and reassess from there.

6. My Super Bowl prediction: Seahawks over Patriots

Seattle is the best team in football. I am concerned, from the Seahawks perspective, about how strong the Patriots run defence is – it may end up putting more pressure on Sam Darnold – but how can you doubt him at this point?

I truly think Darnold choking is the only thing stopping this Super Bowl from not being close. Seattle is simply better.